Portland Timbers at D.C. United: How to watch, preview, match chat [5:00PM]

The Portland Timbers’ record-tying unbeaten streak may be over, but the season goes on today as they take on D.C. United at brand new Audi Field.

D.C. are the last place team in the Eastern conference, but tonight’s match is no gimme for the Timbers. The home side have momentum on their side as they look to break out of the basement in the East, having won two of their last three matches. Of course, with those wins coming over the Colorado Rapids and Orlando City SC, perhaps the best recent result from United came in their 2-2 draw against the Montreal Impact.

The flare up in form for United is almost certainly triggered in part by the opening of Audi Field, but the arrival of designated player Wayne Rooney cannot be discounted either. While Rooney is a very different player from his prime years with Manchester United, he is still capable of the highlight reel plays that others do not make, including Saturday’s last ditch tackle to save an open net goal into the game winning assist to Lucho Acosta.

For the Timbers part, how the team reacts to their unfortunate loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps is the big question. The Timbers have not had to bounce back from a loss in league play since April so how they react today will set the tone for the remainder of the season.

Preview

Storylines: “Ben Olsen and his crew have been dwelling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference for most, if not all, of the season. Currently they are in the middle of a mother of all homestands, with the next 12 of 15 at home. With their win over Orlando City on Sunday, their home record has improved to 5-1-1 and they will be looking to continue that trend.”

Stop by the Rose City Forecast to make your predictions about today’s match.

Match Information

Watch it on: ROOT Sports

Where: Audi Field in Washington D.C.

When: Wednesday, August 15th at 5:00 p.m. PT

Portland Timbers: 10-4-7, 3rd place in the Western Conference, lost 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps

D.C. United: 5-9-6, 11th place in the Eastern Conference, won 3-2 over Orlando City SC